David Levy, Israeli Political Pioneer, Dies at 86

David Levy, a prominent figure in Israeli politics and a longtime member of the Likud party, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. Over a career spanning four decades, Levy served as a Knesset member, foreign minister, and deputy prime minister, significantly shaping Israel’s political landscape.

Levy was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem on Wednesday, where he remained until his passing.

His political journey began in 1969 when he was elected to the Knesset at 31, becoming a key representative of Israeli politicians of North African descent.

Born in Rabat, Morocco, in 1937, Levy immigrated to Israel with his family in 1957, settling in Beit She’an. This move deeply influenced his social and political consciousness, driving his lifelong commitment to addressing the needs of underprivileged communities. His early experiences in Beit She’an led to his active involvement in labor movements and his rise in municipal politics.

Levy’s political career was marked by numerous significant roles, including his appointments as aliyah and integration minister, housing minister, and foreign minister. In these positions, he spearheaded initiatives that transformed Israel’s housing policies and strengthened its international relations, including establishing diplomatic ties with China and former Soviet states.

In 2018, Levy was honored with the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement, recognizing his substantial contributions to the nation. The prize committee praised him as a “symbol and role model” for his dedication to social justice and his influential public service.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences, stating, “Together with all citizens of Israel, I deeply mourn the passing of David Levy, of blessed memory—a dedicated public servant for decades, a minister and deputy prime minister. David, who was born in Morocco, paved his way in life with his own two hands. In the local sphere, he contributed to the development of Beit She’an, which became a symbol for the growth of the development towns on the periphery. In the national sphere, he put his personal stamp on political life, while looking out for distressed weaker sectors.”

Levy’s legacy is also reflected in his family’s continued involvement in public service. His son, Jackie Levy, serves as the mayor of Beit She’an, and his daughter, Orly Levy-Abekasis, has been a member of the Knesset and a government minister. Levy’s brother, Maxim, was the mayor of Lod.